Factors and Design Features Influencing the Continued Use of Wearable Devices

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Wearable Technology
• Consumer Behavior

Background:

• Initial adoption of wearable devices doesn't guarantee sustained usage.
• Understanding factors for continued engagement is crucial for device manufacturers and health platforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate design features influencing the continuous use of wearable devices.
• To extend the expectation-confirmation model (ECM) with specific design elements.

Main Methods:

• A simultaneous mixed-method (QUANT + qual) research design was employed.
• Quantitative analysis used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on survey data.
• Qualitative analysis provided deeper insights into quantitative findings.

Main Results:

• Most users (60%) use wearables daily, with 91% intending further use, primarily for healthcare/wellness (61%) and sports/fitness (54%).
• The developed model explains 24.1% of the variance in continued intention to use wearable devices.
• Perceived usefulness, driven by tracking functions, device battery, app integration, dialogue support, and appeal, is paramount.

Conclusions:

• The expectation-confirmation model (ECM) effectively explains continued wearable device usage.
• Design features, particularly battery life, integration capabilities, user interaction design (dialogue support), and aesthetic appeal, are critical for user retention.